In a significant advance toward a sustainable maritime industry, Clean Marine Group (CMG) is delighted to advise that its unique MARPOL Port Reception Facility in Freeport, Grand Bahama in now open and running. CMG is the first operation of its kind in the region and marking a transformative moment in maritime waste management.

Occupying a four-acre site adjacent to the Grand Bahama Shipyard in Freeport Harbour, the facility will repurpose oily waste from vessels visiting The Bahamas. The waste will then be converted into Reprocessed Fuel Oil, which can be integrated into the local economy as a more sustainable alternative to virgin fossil fuels. Capable of processing up to 50,000 tons of oily waste from vessels annually, the reprocessed fuel can be resold and could significantly reduce the cost of importing fuel to the Islands.

The facility's initial phase demonstrates top-tier waste management technologies, which Clear Marine created to work under the MARPOL convention, the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships. The multi-million-dollar facility will help to prevent the pollution of the marine environment by ships.

"We're excited to present our forward-thinking MARPOL Port Reception Facility," said Robert Speller, General Manager for Clean Marine Group. "Our state-of-the-art facility represents a significant investment by Clean Marine of over $20m into Freeport's maritime infrastructure and underscores our steadfast commitment to marine conservation. By streamlining waste management for vessels, we are reinforcing The Bahamas' standing as a global frontrunner in sustainable maritime operations."

The Clean Marine Group has already established itself as a leader in maritime services by developing cutting-edge solutions tailored to meet the dynamic needs of the maritime industry. The company won the International Development Bank’s (IDB) Blue Tech Challenge in 2019 for innovation in the Blue Economy. This led to the IDB providing finance to CMG combined with an equity and loan investment from the Mirova Sustainable Ocean Fund and local investors. Clean Marine’s Environmental Impact Assessment has been approved by both the Grand Bahama Port Authority and The Bahamas Government’s Department of Environment, Planning, and Protection.

Minister for Grand Bahama Ginger Moxey noted, “Sustainability is at the very forefront of the Government’s agenda. Reaffirming The Bahamas' role as a signatory to the MARPOL Treaty and its recent commitment under the Green Shipping Challenge is of paramount importance and promotes Freeport to compete on a Global Scale as modern shipping transforms its energy efficiency. This project also aligns with the government’s Innovate242 initiative for The Bahamas to become the ‘Center of Innovation for the Caribbean’ and for Grand Bahama to become the ‘Center for Sustainability’.”

Already looking to the future, CMG has expansion plans which include the construction of a dedicated quayside for vessels and extending their operation across a 16-acre plot of land. The expansion will substantially increase their processing capacity and allow for processing of other waste streams from vessels, including most solid and liquid wastes, into cleaner, sustainable alternative fuels, suitable for the modern needs of shipping.

“This new MARPOL facility will process up to 200,000 m3 of liquid waste generated via the normal operation of ships that visit The Bahamas, providing significant environmental and health benefits to the region,” commented Simon Dent, Head of Blue Investment for Mirova. “This will be of particular benefit to those that depend on ocean-related activities, both in The Bahamas and throughout the rest of the wider Caribbean, by helping to reduce the risk of improper disposal of marine waste and pollutants into the ocean.”

The CMG facility sits adjacent to the Grand Bahama Shipyard that has just announced a $600 million expansion. The opening of the company times perfectly with this expansion and will allow the facility to add to the already impressive shipping industry on the island.

“As we compete on a global scale in the evolving landscape of modern shipping and energy efficiency, this facility positions Grand Bahama at the forefront of sustainable practices, reinforcing our role as responsible custodians of the ocean,” noted the President of the Grand Bahama Port Authority, Ian Rolle.

“The Clean Marine Group's investment of over $20 million into Freeport's maritime infrastructure demonstrates the kind of forward-thinking partnerships that will shape the future of the maritime industry on Grand Bahama and, indeed, throughout The Bahamas. The GBPA remains dedicated to fostering innovative collaborations that contribute to the advancement and sustainability of our vital maritime sector.”

GBPA Director Rupert Hayward, who also runs Blue Action Lab which is actively working on pioneering green solutions said, "Clean Marine's Marpol facility is an important and necessary function that continues to put Grand Bahama and Freeport Harbour on a sustainable trajectory, where we can compete with the best ports in the world.”

“This progressive waste management technology will provide critical circular economy services to the shipping and cruise industries, as well as the large oil storage facilities that we have on Grand Bahama, to name just a few. These are exciting times as we expand our blue and green economies for the benefit of all Grand Bahamians and the businesses who currently operate here.”

In a significant advance toward a sustainable maritime industry, Clean Marine Group (CMG) is delighted to advise that its unique MARPOL Port Reception Facility in Freeport, Grand Bahama in now open and running. CMG is the first operation of its kind in the region and marking a transformative moment in maritime waste management. Occupying a four-acre site adjacent to the Grand Bahama Shipyard in Freeport Harbour, the facility will repurpose oily waste from vessels visiting The Bahamas. The waste will then be converted into Reprocessed Fuel Oil, which can be integrated into the local economy as a more sustainable alternative to virgin fossil fuels. Capable of processing up to 50,000 tons of oily waste from vessels annually, the reprocessed fuel can be resold and could significantly reduce the cost of importing fuel to the Islands. The facility's initial phase demonstrates top-tier waste management technologies, which Clear Marine created to work under the MARPOL convention, the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships. The multi-million-dollar facility will help to prevent the pollution of the marine environment by ships. "We're excited to present our forward-thinking MARPOL Port Reception Facility," said Robert Speller, General Manager for Clean Marine Group. "Our state-of-the-art facility represents a significant investment by Clean Marine of over $20m into Freeport's maritime infrastructure and underscores our steadfast commitment to marine conservation. By streamlining waste management for vessels, we are reinforcing The Bahamas' standing as a global frontrunner in sustainable maritime operations." The Clean Marine Group has already established itself as a leader in maritime services by developing cutting-edge solutions tailored to meet the dynamic needs of the maritime industry. The company won the International Development Bank’s (IDB) Blue Tech Challenge in 2019 for innovation in the Blue Economy. This led to the IDB providing finance to CMG combined with an equity and loan investment from the Mirova Sustainable Ocean Fund and local investors. Clean Marine’s Environmental Impact Assessment has been approved by both the Grand Bahama Port Authority and The Bahamas Government’s Department of Environment, Planning, and Protection. Minister for Grand Bahama Ginger Moxey noted, “Sustainability is at the very forefront of the Government’s agenda. Reaffirming The Bahamas' role as a signatory to the MARPOL Treaty and its recent commitment under the Green Shipping Challenge is of paramount importance and promotes Freeport to compete on a Global Scale as modern shipping transforms its energy efficiency. This project also aligns with the government’s Innovate242 initiative for The Bahamas to become the ‘Center of Innovation for the Caribbean’ and for Grand Bahama to become the ‘Center for Sustainability’.” Already looking to the future, CMG has expansion plans which include the construction of a dedicated quayside for vessels and extending their operation across a 16-acre plot of land. The expansion will substantially increase their processing capacity and allow for processing of other waste streams from vessels, including most solid and liquid wastes, into cleaner, sustainable alternative fuels, suitable for the modern needs of shipping. “This new MARPOL facility will process up to 200,000 m3 of liquid waste generated via the normal operation of ships that visit The Bahamas, providing significant environmental and health benefits to the region,” commented Simon Dent, Head of Blue Investment for Mirova. “This will be of particular benefit to those that depend on ocean-related activities, both in The Bahamas and throughout the rest of the wider Caribbean, by helping to reduce the risk of improper disposal of marine waste and pollutants into the ocean.” The CMG facility sits adjacent to the Grand Bahama Shipyard that has just announced a $600 million expansion. The opening of the company times perfectly with this expansion and will allow the facility to add to the already impressive shipping industry on the island. “As we compete on a global scale in the evolving landscape of modern shipping and energy efficiency, this facility positions Grand Bahama at the forefront of sustainable practices, reinforcing our role as responsible custodians of the ocean,” noted the President of the Grand Bahama Port Authority, Ian Rolle. “The Clean Marine Group's investment of over $20 million into Freeport's maritime infrastructure demonstrates the kind of forward-thinking partnerships that will shape the future of the maritime industry on Grand Bahama and, indeed, throughout The Bahamas. The GBPA remains dedicated to fostering innovative collaborations that contribute to the advancement and sustainability of our vital maritime sector.” GBPA Director Rupert Hayward, who also runs Blue Action Lab which is actively working on pioneering green solutions said, "Clean Marine's Marpol facility is an important and necessary function that continues to put Grand Bahama and Freeport Harbour on a sustainable trajectory, where we can compete with the best ports in the world.” “This progressive waste management technology will provide critical circular economy services to the shipping and cruise industries, as well as the large oil storage facilities that we have on Grand Bahama, to name just a few. These are exciting times as we expand our blue and green economies for the benefit of all Grand Bahamians and the businesses who currently operate here.”

The new Galaxy Ring is a part of Samsung’s Vision for an Intelligent Health Platform

Dr. Hon Pak, Vice President and Head of Digital Health Team, MX Business at Samsung Electronics talks about Samsung Health platform and its newest addition: Galaxy Ring

Today, more than ever, people are defining their own wellness goals. From looking to stay fit or gaining more muscle mass, achieving better sleep, or caring for personal or family physical and mental health issues, everyone’s goals for better health look different. But one thing is common, the daily management and path towards these goals can be complicated and challenging, and most importantly, it is defined by you.

That’s why at Samsung, we’re working to empower more people to manage their health - and those they care for – their way, with a comprehensive, yet simplified approach to everyday wellness. Our vision is to improve the health of billions through connected care centered around the home by connecting devices, services and people – like only Samsung can.
 
One of the biggest challenges the healthcare industry is facing today is fragmented data and how to bring it all together. Samsung is uniquely positioned to undertake this with one of the largest, most diverse connected device ecosystems. Now with Samsung Health, we’re connecting different devices and partner solutions within one cohesive platform, making it simpler to track health conditions on a Galaxy wearable.

By collecting data through advanced sensor technology, you’ll receive a deeper, more holistic understanding of your health with improved insights and integrated third party health data. And as always, your personal data on the Galaxy devices remains secure thanks to the Samsung Knox security platform.

Like any good data model, how you leverage the information is key. In this new mobile era of AI, Samsung is focused on remaining at the forefront of maximizing information. With the intelligence of AI, the most transformative technology of the century, users will receive more personalized insights and tailored health experiences through Samsung Health’s extensive global dataset from 64M monthly active users. And while every user’s wellness journey is unique, we believe they all start in the same way – by gaining a deeper understanding of their health through more comprehensive insights, spanning the longest time possible.

This is why we’ve continued to build a portfolio of tools that help track their health conveniently, continuously and accurately. This approach comes to life in our wearables portfolio with upcoming features like My Vitality Score[1] and Booster Card[2], combining more data with new intelligent analysis to deliver even more personalized and actionable guidance day and night.

With more data and greater intelligence, users will receive even more insights for preventative wellness end-to-end solutions, starting with sleep.  We’ve developed a variety of features that offer users a deeper understanding of their sleep quality and other aspects of their health during sleep. For example, the sleep apnea feature, which recently received De Novo clearance from US FDA, will detect signs of moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea – and often undiagnosed and untreated – chronic medical condition, so they can address it with their healthcare provider.

This is just the beginning. We’re working with partners to connect these capabilities to real world solutions and services that expand access to healthcare in the home. For instance, you can create a more optimal sleep environment with a smart mattress that can fine-tune the ideal sleep temperatures for rest.
 
Samsung recognizes that gaining a deep understanding of one’s personal health can result in significant long-term wellness benefits for our users. As we look to deliver on our vision of providing users with a comprehensive yet simplified approach to everyday wellness, we realize choice is a big factor. Obtaining accurate, detailed and advanced information on personal health conditions is the foundation of helping better track and action change. 

Mobile devices will become the primary access point for AI, and through Samsung Galaxy – with our broad and comprehensive product portfolio, heritage of innovation, and philosophy of open collaboration – we’re well positioned to accelerate its global expansion.  That’s why we’re thrilled to be introducing Samsung Galaxy Ring later this year - bringing Samsung’s accumulated innovations to the smallest form for comfortable 24/7 wear. As a new addition to our wearables portfolio, Galaxy Ring will offer users an all-new way to simplify everyday wellness, empowering them with greater insights and more ways to understand themselves day and night. With Galaxy Ring, users can embrace an unrivalled experience during every step of their wellness journey, all while being delivered in lockstep with Samsung’s broader vision for a more connected, integrated and seamless digital wellness platform.
 
Samsung will continue to enrich and expand Galaxy AI experiences across our product categories and collaborations to bring forward mobile experiences that defy imagination. The launch of Galaxy Ring is just one of Samsung’s many initiatives that exemplifies this and delivers on our vision of improving the health and wellness of billions, starting at home, with you. Through the power of intelligence, partnerships and advanced technology, we're helping more people better understand themselves and make the small changes that have a big impact, every day. With this, the power of Galaxy AI, and many more exciting health and wellness solutions and updates on the horizon, we can’t wait for you to see what we have in store.
 
About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
Samsung inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, smartphones, wearable devices, tablets, digital appliances, network systems, and memory, system LSI and LED solutions. For the latest news, please visit the Samsung Newsroom at http://news.samsung.com.

 The new Galaxy Ring is a part of Samsung’s Vision for an Intelligent Health Platform Dr. Hon Pak, Vice President and Head of Digital Health Team, MX Business at Samsung Electronics talks about Samsung Health platform and its newest addition: Galaxy Ring Today, more than ever, people are defining their own wellness goals. From looking to stay fit or gaining more muscle mass, achieving better sleep, or caring for personal or family physical and mental health issues, everyone’s goals for better health look different. But one thing is common, the daily management and path towards these goals can be complicated and challenging, and most importantly, it is defined by you. That’s why at Samsung, we’re working to empower more people to manage their health - and those they care for – their way, with a comprehensive, yet simplified approach to everyday wellness. Our vision is to improve the health of billions through connected care centered around the home by connecting devices, services and people – like only Samsung can.   One of the biggest challenges the healthcare industry is facing today is fragmented data and how to bring it all together. Samsung is uniquely positioned to undertake this with one of the largest, most diverse connected device ecosystems. Now with Samsung Health, we’re connecting different devices and partner solutions within one cohesive platform, making it simpler to track health conditions on a Galaxy wearable. By collecting data through advanced sensor technology, you’ll receive a deeper, more holistic understanding of your health with improved insights and integrated third party health data. And as always, your personal data on the Galaxy devices remains secure thanks to the Samsung Knox security platform. Like any good data model, how you leverage the information is key. In this new mobile era of AI, Samsung is focused on remaining at the forefront of maximizing information. With the intelligence of AI, the most transformative technology of the century, users will receive more personalized insights and tailored health experiences through Samsung Health’s extensive global dataset from 64M monthly active users. And while every user’s wellness journey is unique, we believe they all start in the same way – by gaining a deeper understanding of their health through more comprehensive insights, spanning the longest time possible. This is why we’ve continued to build a portfolio of tools that help track their health conveniently, continuously and accurately. This approach comes to life in our wearables portfolio with upcoming features like My Vitality Score[1] and Booster Card[2], combining more data with new intelligent analysis to deliver even more personalized and actionable guidance day and night. With more data and greater intelligence, users will receive even more insights for preventative wellness end-to-end solutions, starting with sleep.  We’ve developed a variety of features that offer users a deeper understanding of their sleep quality and other aspects of their health during sleep. For example, the sleep apnea feature, which recently received De Novo clearance from US FDA, will detect signs of moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea – and often undiagnosed and untreated – chronic medical condition, so they can address it with their healthcare provider. This is just the beginning. We’re working with partners to connect these capabilities to real world solutions and services that expand access to healthcare in the home. For instance, you can create a more optimal sleep environment with a smart mattress that can fine-tune the ideal sleep temperatures for rest.   Samsung recognizes that gaining a deep understanding of one’s personal health can result in significant long-term wellness benefits for our users. As we look to deliver on our vision of providing users with a comprehensive yet simplified approach to everyday wellness, we realize choice is a big factor. Obtaining accurate, detailed and advanced information on personal health conditions is the foundation of helping better track and action change.  Mobile devices will become the primary access point for AI, and through Samsung Galaxy – with our broad and comprehensive product portfolio, heritage of innovation, and philosophy of open collaboration – we’re well positioned to accelerate its global expansion.  That’s why we’re thrilled to be introducing Samsung Galaxy Ring later this year - bringing Samsung’s accumulated innovations to the smallest form for comfortable 24/7 wear. As a new addition to our wearables portfolio, Galaxy Ring will offer users an all-new way to simplify everyday wellness, empowering them with greater insights and more ways to understand themselves day and night. With Galaxy Ring, users can embrace an unrivalled experience during every step of their wellness journey, all while being delivered in lockstep with Samsung’s broader vision for a more connected, integrated and seamless digital wellness platform.   Samsung will continue to enrich and expand Galaxy AI experiences across our product categories and collaborations to bring forward mobile experiences that defy imagination. The launch of Galaxy Ring is just one of Samsung’s many initiatives that exemplifies this and delivers on our vision of improving the health and wellness of billions, starting at home, with you. Through the power of intelligence, partnerships and advanced technology, we're helping more people better understand themselves and make the small changes that have a big impact, every day. With this, the power of Galaxy AI, and many more exciting health and wellness solutions and updates on the horizon, we can’t wait for you to see what we have in store.   About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Samsung inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, smartphones, wearable devices, tablets, digital appliances, network systems, and memory, system LSI and LED solutions. For the latest news, please visit the Samsung Newsroom at http://news.samsung.com.

The Ministry for Grand Bahama hosted its second entrepreneurial Expo 2024 this month, this time at the Foster B. Pestaina Hall, Pro-Cathedral of Christ the King on February 21, 2024 where scores of budding entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized businesses in Freeport gained valuable insight for their ventures from representatives of the Ministry of Tourism, the Tourism Development Corporation of The Bahamas, Bahamas Development Bank, Access Accelerator, Inland Revenue, Small Businesses Development Centre, Bank of The Bahamas, Grand Bahama Port Authority, the Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources, and UB Ignite. 

Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation, the Hon. Chester Cooper and Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Ginger Moxey encouraged attendees to take full advantage of the wealth of resources being made available at the Expo to empower them along their business journey. 

Also in attendance were Parliamentary Secretary Kingsley Smith; Senators James Turner, Kirk Russell and Randy Rolle and Permanent Secretary Joel Lewis. 

The West Grand Bahama Entrepreneurial Expo, the first for the year, was held on February 1 at St. Mary Magdalene Parish Hall in West Grand Bahama.

The Ministry for Grand Bahama hosted its second entrepreneurial Expo 2024 this month, this time at the Foster B. Pestaina Hall, Pro-Cathedral of Christ the King on February 21, 2024 where scores of budding entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized businesses in Freeport gained valuable insight for their ventures from representatives of the Ministry of Tourism, the Tourism Development Corporation of The Bahamas, Bahamas Development Bank, Access Accelerator, Inland Revenue, Small Businesses Development Centre, Bank of The Bahamas, Grand Bahama Port Authority, the Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources, and UB Ignite.  Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation, the Hon. Chester Cooper and Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Ginger Moxey encouraged attendees to take full advantage of the wealth of resources being made available at the Expo to empower them along their business journey.  Also in attendance were Parliamentary Secretary Kingsley Smith; Senators James Turner, Kirk Russell and Randy Rolle and Permanent Secretary Joel Lewis.  The West Grand Bahama Entrepreneurial Expo, the first for the year, was held on February 1 at St. Mary Magdalene Parish Hall in West Grand Bahama.

A Closing Ceremony was held February 1, 2024 for an 'Access Control Workshop' for Airport Authority employees, conducted jointly by the  Organization of American States/Inter-American Committee Against Terrorism (OAS/CICTE) and US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) National Aviation Security (AVSEC), in the Airport Authority Training Room, Lynden Pindling International Airport.